Just Like Starting Over

For all the nice*press he's been getting since his third quality start in Sunday's 5-3 win over the Blue Jays, Adam Eaton (4-3, 5.70, ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 3.0 BB/9, 6.9 K/9, 1.2 HR/9) has benefited from a lot of offensive and defensive support. Yesterday, a wild (5 BB, 2 SO, 2 WP, no extra-base hits) Eaton was rescued early by opposing baserunners, who ran themselves into inning-ending line drive/flyball double plays in the first and second innings respectively. With Geoff Geary (1.2 IP, 3 solo home runs!) pitching in relief of Eaton, Jays' pinch hitter/second baseman Ryan Roberts ended the seventh inning when veteran shortstop Royce Clayton (1-2, 2 BB) was caught far away from second base on his liner to Shane Victorino in right.

Brett Myers picked up his sixth save in seven opportunities, taking over for a riddled Geary to deliver a four-out save. After issuing a leadoff walk to Clayton, Myers overpowered pinch hitter Frank Thomas swinging and caught Roberts looking. The once coveted Alex Rios then ended the ninth by grounding out to Abraham Nunez. Myers' SO/9 is now an otherworldly 12.5.

The Phils' offense came from solo homers by Pat Burrell (his sixth) and Aaron Rowand (seventh). Catcher Rod Barajas was a perfect 2-2 with a couple of runs scored and two walks on the day. He also gunned down Vernon Wells, who inexplicably attempted to steal third down 3-0 in the third inning.

The .500 Phils (22-22, 6.5 in back of the East-leading Mets) host the Phillies Phestival ALS benefit today, then set out on the road for a six-pack against division rivals Florida (21-23, 7.5 behind) and Atlanta (26-18, 2.5 back).

*To be fair, Steve King of The Daily News emphasizes the positive but does recognize Eaton's flaws on Sunday.